horrific

adjective

hor·​rif·​ic hȯ-ˈri-fik 

hä-

: having the power to horrify

a horrific account of the tragedy

horrifically

hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē 

hä-

adverb

Synonyms of horrific

• gruesome
• shocking
• horrible
• terrible
• nightmare
• horrifying
• frightening

Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Recent Examples on the Web

Rusty and Barbara exchange a knowing look, suggesting the horrific truth bubbling beneath the surface will forever haunt their family. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026

The events in question are horrific and well documented. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026

The horrific accident has shaken the local community. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

In the second half, the Chargers were horrific in pass protection. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for horrific

• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific